Pride resonates this year as Mauritians celebrate the 50th anniversary of our young nation. Intertwined in our country’s history, is a brand many Mauritians hold close to their heart: Toyota. More specifically the Toyota Hilux which is also celebrating 50 years of legendary reliability. Let’s drive down memory lane through its glorious periods.
Decade after decade, part of history
The same year and month that the much sought-after independence was gained from the British, the 1st Hilux generation was launched. It debuted as a new bonnet-type truck that integrated and succeeded the Briska and the Light Stout. The vehicle was conceived by Toyota, and developed and manufactured by Hino Motors Ltd at its Hamura Plant. Three years later, the 3rd generation Hilux went on sale in September and its model offered sedan-like specifications and equipment.
Since then, Toyota has been a witness of all the milestones in Mauritian history – the 1st economic miracle of the 1990s as well as the proclamation of the Republic in 1992. Toyota was strong to follow suit by revamping its vehicles and upgrading them with innovative technologies, highlighting the year 1997 with a 6th generation Hilux. The business-use truck line and personal-use sports pick up line easily became Mauritian staples.
50 years as a reliable work partner
Leveraging on its success amongst the brand’s lovers, Toyota has kept on thriving as a reliable partner and in tune with Mauritian feats: 1st Cyber City in 2001; 1st Olympic medal in 2008 won by boxer Bruno Julie in Beijing, and a wide range of tourism awards scooped in 2014-15. To match, Toyota introduced us to reinvented toughness, with its 8th generation Hilux that same year.
Launched in May 2015, the entire development concept was centred on “redefining toughness” while boasting ride comfort. It was developed by teams who travelled the globe, getting direct feedback from customers and driving on a wide variety of different roads. The same customer-centric approach fuels Toyota’s evolution today, helping it go forward, with us in mind.
Discover the Hilux’s legendary ruggedness, performance and responsiveness by booking a test-drive!
For more information :
+230 405 6400
Motorway, Riche Terre